Friday, January 18, 2008

Thinking on a Friday morning can be different than thinking on a Monday morning. Think about that. It is Friday after all.

I've been thinking about nature lately and how she sometimes mandates that we stay inside and rest. Like Wednesday morning for instance. It was way too cold for me to be out, but being stubborn and feeling like I need the miles on the bike, I went out. And last night, I rode in 3 inches of melting slush, which I did not enjoy at all. I knew both times that I should not have ridden but I did. Sometimes I just don't feel like it and have no reason, other times I really don't feel like it and have a reason. The latter, I am learning, is when I need to stay home.

A person cannot go 100% all the time. ( and it is quite impossible to go more than 100% at any one time). We are designed to need rest, to slow down. And it will be ok. I get caught up in feeling like if I am not riding 5 days a week, then I won't be able to be competitive. But, I have come to realise that rest can also help one function better. A delicate balance that I will continue to struggle with , and will change constantly depending on weather, life stress, illness, etc.

So, with the forecast this morning of freezing temps, and ice on the road, I decided to let my body decide if I was riding to work. I didn't set my alarm. That was the test, plain and simple. The results? I didn't wake up until 7:30am. Too late to ride. Maybe I'll get to ride tomorrow.